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Thanksgiving Ground Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 91 Google reviews · Running trail in Chelmsford, Massachusetts · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Thanksgiving Ground Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Thanksgiving Ground Forest
“The only complaint I have is I wish people would be respectful of others and clean up after their dogs.”
“It was quiet, peaceful and real easy to walk the trail loop.”
“This town forest is great for a easy hike with the kids.”
Great place for a walk with or without your dog 🐕. Besure to keep your dog on a leash and pick up after your dog.
This town forest is great for a easy hike with the kids. We went as part of a decorated tree hunt in town, however we also go in the summer, there are a few geo cashes. It seems like it's a popular place for dog walkers, my son calls it the dog poop place because of the abundance of dog poop bags near the parking lot.
Nice little park with easy trails for kids. It was quiet, peaceful and real easy to walk the trail loop. The only complaint I have is I wish people would be respectful of others and clean up after their dogs. I saw so many doggy doo piles; you really have to watch your step.
I have been coming here since I was a kid. It isn't very large but you can hike through to Great Brook Farm State Forest and avoid some of the crowds and parking fees. Please don't tell anyone. you will ruin the secret. 😊. Just follow Janet road to the end and park in the tiny lot.
Trail conditions & character
“It seems like it's a popular place for dog walkers, my son calls it the dog poop place because of the abundance of dog poop bags near the parking lot.”
“It seems like it's a popular place for dog walkers, my son calls it the dog poop place because of the abundance of dog poop bags near the parking lot.”
“It was quiet, peaceful and real easy to walk the trail loop.”
Plan your run at Thanksgiving Ground Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitetownofchelmsford.us
- Phone+1 978-250-5205
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Chelmsford
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Thanksgiving Forest Reservation
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Hiking area with dog-friendly trails, and options for boating and fishing.
Russell Mill Pond and Town Forest
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Trails for hiking and mountain biking around a pond with fishing.
Great Brook Farm State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,279 reviews
An expanse of trails through fields & woods, centered around a working dairy farm, open for tours.
Archer Meadowbrook Preserve
3.8 ★★★★☆ 4 reviews
Billerica State Forest
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Urban green space providing rustic, multi-use trails & wooded areas for walking & wildlife viewing.